South African Wine Ratings

The accepted rating methodology uses a scale of 0 to 100. Bouquet and palate are each rated out of 33, finish out of 10 and the overall impression out of 24. According to this rating system, a wine rated in the upper 90's is considered to be exceptional. Those below 80 are poor and the wines below 75 are unacceptable. In some cases, the wine tasters can detect the potential that the particular wine has to mature. These are granted an A+ as they are not suitable for judgement until they have reached their potential. This provides a fairly objective perspective, however, and does not take the occasion, setting or mood of the drinker into account.

South Africa and, in particular, the Western Cape is considered to be one of the top wine producers in the world, ranking 9th overall in terms of quality and diversity. As a country, SA exports large volumes of its prime produce. It is also possible for private buyers to purchase the full variety of South African wines online.

South Africa is most renowned for its impressive array of white wines. These are also then used to distil brandy, which is another well-rated product from the South African vines. The majority of the grapes planted in South Africa are Chenin Blanc / Steen, followed by Sauvignon Blanc. Top red wines, according to international rating standards, are the Shiraz / Syrah, Pinotage and Cabernet Sauvignon. Some of the highest rated wines in the world come from the little wine-farm regions of Paarl and Stellenbosch, both in the Western Cape.

South African wines that have achieved top ratings include Rustenberg John X Merriman 2005 (91), Rustenberg Chardonnay 2007 (91), Warwick Estate Professor Black Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (90), Glen Carlou Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (90), Southern Right Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (90), Porcupine Ridge Syrah 2008 and Fairview Viognier 2007. The top South Africa wine farms have been rate as being Kanonkop Estate, Vergelegen, Rustenberg Wines, Thelema Mountain Vineyards, Jordan Vineyards and Springfield Estate.

South Africa has also been internationally rated as having some of the best quality budget wines in the world, according to The Wine Enthusiast, 2009. The Good Hope Chenin Blanc was considered to be top of the wines in this category. The 2008 Wall St. Journal selected only eight wines from all over the world to qualify in their "Delicious" category, of which South Africa's Vinum African Chenin Blanc was one.

Clearly then, South Africa is a major key player in terms of winemaking, and is set to etch its ever-more powerful mark in the global market.

Fiona Phillips has an M.B.A. from the University of Cape Town's Graduate School of Business and completed several Cape Wine Academy courses, culminating in Diploma II. Her passion for wine and her fascination for the limitless possibilities of the Internet motivated the start-up http://www.cybercellar.com 

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